Corn chips are good for way more than just dunking into dip, and these recipes prove it. From taco salad to snack mix, corn chips will become your new favorite secret ingredient.
19 Ways to Cook with Corn Chips
Updated on May 08, 2024
Crowd-Pleasing Taco Salad
While this recipe might sound involved, it can be fixed in just 30 minutes. It’s a hit at the potluck table—and I don’t have to bring any home after the shindig! —Ann Cahoon, Bradenton, Florida
1/19
2/19
Frito Candy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Yep, they’re made with corn chips, but don’t let that fool you. These salty sweets were a staple after meetings at the quilt guild I once belonged to. —Carol Tramp, Wynot, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 337 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
3/19
Frito Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and fabulously cheesy. Here’s my take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 718 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1719mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein.
4/19
Walking Tacos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These Walking Tacos are perfect for an on-the-go dinner, a campfire meal or an easy game-night supper. The ingredients go right into the chip bags! —Beverly Matthews, Richland, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without toppings): 530 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1017mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
5/19
Ground Beef Taco Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In spring we look for something light and refreshing on the menu after the heavier comfort food of winter; this salad is a great solution. —Muriel Bertrand, Shoreview, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 469 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 1007mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
6/19
Tex-Mex Chicken Strips
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for a way to amp up the flavor of regular chicken strips so I crushed up some leftover corn chips to create a crispy, flavorful coating. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 258 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.
7/19
Tasty Taco Chopped Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and I love Mexican food, but we try to eat healthy. My mom taught me how to make this tasty taco salad for my friends. —Matthew Smith, Knippa, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 471 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1193mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
8/19
Texas Taco Dip Platter
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm entertaining, this colorful dish is my top menu choice. My friends can't resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 522 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1200mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
9/19
Taco Burgers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves the taste of tacos, but I dislike the mess! So I developed these burgers as a tasty but tidy alternative.—Linda Logan, Warren, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 418 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 903mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
10/19
Bandito Chili Dogs
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 chili dog: 450 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 1442mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
11/19
Frito Corn Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Frito corn salad is always requested by friends and family! Super easy and great alongside just about any main course. Quick tip: Wait on adding Fritos until you're about to serve, as they tend to get soggy after a few hours. —Mandy McKinnon, North Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 463 calories, 35g fat (9g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
12/19
Upside-Down Frito Pie
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Using ground turkey is a smart way to lighten this hearty family pleaser! —Mary Berg, Lake Elmo, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 524 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 1662mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 41g protein.
13/19
Chicken Strips
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I recently made this recipe of Mom's for my in-laws and they told me it was the "best fried chicken ever." Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, California
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 388 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
14/19
Zesty Snack Mix
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 10 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Reveals Jeanette Grantstein of Wichita, Kansas, "This crisp snack mix is a mouthwatering combination of sweet and spicy. I've taken it to numerous gatherings. Make a bowlful when the munchies hit."—Jeanette Grantstein, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 258 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
15/19
Mexican Fiesta Platter
Total Time
50 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe proves you don't need to fuss to prepare an appetizer for a crowd. With generous layers of beef, rice, corn chips and cheese, it's a nacho lover's dream!—Ann Nace, Perkasie, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 340 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein.
16/19
Cornbread Taco Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornbread and beef bake together in one casserole dish, making this entree convenient. This Mexican cornbread casserole is packed with tempting seasonings, and the cheese and onions make an attractive topping. —Vicki Good, Oscoda, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 541 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
17/19
Halloween Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Thrill partygoers with Halloween deviled eggs. The mayonnaise-filled bites are one of my favorite apps, so I had fun creating a spooky version. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 79 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
18/19
Patriotic Taco Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my daughter asked to have a patriotic theme for her July birthday party, I made this refreshing dish. If you want to prepare your salad in advance, omit the layer of chips and serve them on the side so they don't get soggy. —Glenda Jarboe, Oroville, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 357 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 747mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
19/19
Chili-Lime Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Why buy a pricey bagged snack mix when you can easily make a better-tasting one at home? Create a Southwestern sensation with chili powder, cayenne pepper and a twist of lime. —Julie Beckwith, Crete, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 162 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
